Communications Daily observes the Martin Luther King holiday this Monday, Jan. 15. Our next issue will appear on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Seven states have requested more delegated authority from FCC to allow them to implement number conservation measures. FCC is seeking comments on requests of Ind., Minn., Mo., Okla., Tenn., Vt., W.Va. Comments are due Feb. 12, replies Feb. 28 (CC 96-98, 99-200).

U.S. Copyright Office started 6-month negotiation period for adjustment of royalty rates and terms for performance of copyrighted sound recordings by preexisting subscription services and satellite digital audio services. Negotiation period began Jan. 9 and those who want to participate must notify Copyright Office by Jan. 31.

At last min., FCC once again delayed votes on 3 digital TV items scheduled for consideration at its open meeting Thurs. Commission, which first postponed action on DTV issues last month, didn’t indicate reason for latest delay. But, in his swan song meeting at Commission, FCC Chmn. Kennard pledged that agency would act on all 3 items no later than Jan. 17, just before he’s expected to step down from his post in favor of Republican successor (see separate story, this issue).

Fixed satellite service (FSS) spectrum flexibility is needed because future requirements of satellite companies can’t be anticipated and spectrum flexibility is prerequisite to efficient operation of satellite systems, PanAmSat said in comments to FCC on proposed plan by Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition to change Commission rules on access to spectrum for satellite services (CD Jan 10 p4). In filing that supported position of Satellite Industry Assn. and Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn., PanAmSat said FSS spectrum flexibility was required and Commission should abandon proposal to add demonstrated-use requirement.

PASADENA NBC Entertainment Pres. Jeff Zucker, who has been in job less than month, told TV critics at their semiannual annual tour here that “our bread and butter remains sitcoms and dramas and we will ultimately live and die on that.” But “obviously,” he said, with threat of strikes against networks and movie companies (CD Jan 11 p3), “we're going to look at nonscripted programming.” His boss, NBC West Coast Pres. Scott Sassa, said “some form of alternative programming” had become necessity for all networks. To that end, he said, NBC has 4 nonscripted shows in various stages of production -- 2 in-house and 2 from outside producers. Network bought reality quiz show Weakest Link from BBC that’s expected to be ready for airing in spring.

FCC took steps at its meeting Thurs. to make it easier for public safety agencies to communicate with one another on emergency scenes, including setting rules for interoperability channels in 700 MHz public safety band. In unanimously approved report and order, agency adopted standard for interoperability channels as recommended by Public Safety National Coordination Committee (NCC) chaired by Kathleen Wallman. For general use channels in 24 MHz designated for public safety in 700 MHz band, FCC adopted notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comments on migration path to more efficient standard. But to encourage early use of 700 MHz, some of which still is occupied by analog broadcasters, order indicated Commission wouldn’t mandate use of that more efficient technology before 2006.

Financials: Nortel will cut work force by 4,000, although its overall staff level will remain same through new hires in high-growth areas, company announced Thurs. Cuts represent 4% of Nortel’s 94,500 employees… Time Warner Telecom completed acquisition of GST Telecom assets for $690 million. GST filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May.

VisionStar’s proposed transfer of Ka-band satellite license to holding company jointly owned with EchoStar is part of long- range goal to provide high-speed Internet service to rural and remote areas of U.S., CEO Shant Houvnanian told us. “We want to bring 2-way high-speed Internet service to the dark side of the digital divide.” Role of EchoStar also will increase if FCC approves, Houvnanian said. “They will get a larger ownership stake, but I will still be the significant shareholder.” VisionStar/EchoStar partnership filed application with FCC Dec. 15 to transfer control of orbital slot at 113 degrees W over Continental U.S. from VisionStar control (CD Jan 9 p8). Houvnanian said he owns 51%, EchoStar 49% of VisionStar/EchoStar. “I've personally invested a lot of money in this project to keep it going,” he said. “This is a complete start-up” company. VisionStar is one of several companies allocated Ka-band slots in May 1997 by Commission (CD May 23 p5) that have yet to launch satellite or service. Houvnanian said since contracting with Orbital to build satellites, VisionStar had exercised option in contract that allowed it to contract with Lockheed Martin to expand scope of service by building larger satellites.

Arianespace Chmn. Jean-Marie Luton said company lost more than $190 million in 2000, citing operation of Ariane 4 and Ariane 5, training employees to operate both rockets, raising newer rocket’s payload. Production costs for 2nd series of Ariane 5 rocket will be 35% less than first series, InfoWest spokesman said. Company’s losses were “not a surprise,” he said, adding that it expected to break even in 2001. Arianespace also committed money to building S5 preparation building to allow company to perform all maintenance at launch facility in Kourou and expected building to come into service in April, which spokesman said would save company more money this year.